3.1 - Different Electoral Systems

Question 1

List:

How does FPTP create a strong government?

Answer 1

• Clear mandate
• Unlikely to create a coalition

Question 2

How can FPTP provide representation?

Answer 2

• MPs have a strong link to constituents
• MPs hold surgeries
• Voting is simple so people can understand it

Question 3

How does FPTP negatively affect minor parties?

Answer 3

• Benefits parties with concentrated support - E.G. SNP
• Minor parties are unlikely to have candidates in safe seats
• Votes for minor parties are often wasted

Question 4

How is FPTP unproportional?

Answer 4

• Often results in a government with less than 50% of the vote
• MPs can have less than 50% of the popular vote

Question 5

List:

The disadvantages of FPTP

Answer 5

• Unproportional
• Limited choice
• Do not need popular vote

Question 6

List:

The advantages of FPTP

Answer 6

• Clear mandate
• Simple system
• Strong link to constituency

Question 7

How is the ballot filled out under STV?

Answer 7

Candidates numbered in order of preference

Question 8

How is the election quota calculated in STV?

Answer 8

Droop formula

Question 9

How are constituencies arranged under STV?

Answer 9

Multi-member constituencies

Question 10

What happens if no candidate reaches the quota in STV?

Answer 10

The lowest candidate is eliminated and their second choices are redistributed

Question 11

How does STV help minor parties?

Answer 11

• Multi-member constituencies mean voters can do a split ticket
• Parties with a thinly spread vote can win seats

Question 12

How does STV increase government legitimacy?

Answer 12

• Fewer wasted votes because voters have ranked preferences
• Voters have more choice

Question 13

Example:

Parties with concentrated support benefit from FPTP

Answer 13

• SNP - 1.4 m votes - 56 seats
• UKIP - 3.8 m votes - 1 seat

Question 14

How does STV decrease legitimacy?

Answer 14

• Weak link between MPs and constituents
• voting system is more complicated - people may not understand it
• Donkey voting

Question 15

What does STV stand for?

Answer 15

Single transferable vote

Question 16

Where is AMS used?

Answer 16

• Welsh assembly
• Scottish parliament

Question 17

How is the ballot filled out in AMS?

Answer 17

• One vote for a constituency representative
• One vote for a party list

Question 18

How are constituencies arranged in AMS?

Answer 18

Multi-member constituencies

Question 19

How are members chosen in AMS?

Answer 19

• Constituency representative chosen by FPTP
• Additional members added to match voting outcome

Question 20

What are the advantages of AMS?

Answer 20

• Strong link between the FPTP MP and constituents
• Increases proportionality
• Gives voters more choice - Split ticket

Question 21

What are the disadvantages of AMS?

Answer 21

• Smaller parties are less represented
• Party list candidates have less legitimacy than FPTP MPs

Question 22

Where is SV used?

Answer 22

• London mayoral elections
• Police and crime commissioners

Question 23

How is the ballot filled out in SV?

Answer 23

First and second preference vote

Question 24

How are winners chosen in SV?

Answer 24

• Candidate who wins 50% of the vote wins
• No candidate gets 50% - all candidates eliminated except top 2
• Second preference votes distributed

Question 25

What are the advantages of SV?

Answer 25

• Simple - easy to understand
• Gives the winner a clear mandate

Question 26

What are the disadvantages of SV?

Answer 26

• Votes can be wasted in both 1st and 2nd choice are eliminated
• Winning candidate does not need an absolute majority